Steroid Induced Modulation of Extracellular Matrix

Steroids, routinely used to control inflammation, can cause increases in intraocular pressure and threaten a loss of vision in 30-40 percent of all treated individuals. What causes such increases in pressure, and why only a subset of individuals respond adversely to steroids, is not known. We believe that such increases in pressure are due to dysregulation in cellular function and secretion of proteins due to structural alterations to the tissue that is in close proximity with these affected cells. In the proposed study, we will determine whether treatment with steroids alters cellular and matrix structure, composition, biomechanical attributes, and function.